At the crossroads of the City, Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park you'll find Mile End and Bow — the bustling residential heartland of the East End. Once gritty and rough around the edges — OK, still gritty and rough around the edges — the area has picked up in recent years with new places to eat, drink and shop joining the existing arts venues, charming parks and squares. While the likes of Nandos, Tesco and Starbucks have all started to muscle-in on the area, there's plenty of other places to head to if you're after genuine local experiences.
Since 1937, pies have been served at this shop on Roman Road, each one hand-made in their in-house bakery using a recipe passed down through three generations.
Hidden away down a narrow passageway linking Grove Hall Park to Bow Road, Carmelite Cafe serves up brunches, lunches and great Nude Espresso coffee.
With an award-winning education programme and a mission to support community renewal in East London, The Nunnery gallery is worth popping into whilst you're on the Bow and Mile End circuit and looking for a bit of culture. A highlight is the Bow Open Studios, hosted by the Nunnery - one of the most vibrant art events in London. It's a good opportunity to explore the work of local artists and meet some of the emerging artists exhibiting at the event. Positioned perfectly next door, the Carmelite cafe is great for a sit-down and a coffee afterwards.
